Senior Project Manager

About the company

Leighs Construction is a New Zealand-owned and operated builder with more than 30 years of experience delivering quality outcomes for clients, employees, and communities. The company is known for its inclusive culture and for contributing to major projects across New Zealand, the wider Pacific, and the Antarctic, with a focus on creating safe, innovative structures that leave a long-term legacy.

About the role

Leighs Construction is seeking a Senior Project Manager for its Christchurch team. This is a standout opportunity to contribute to one of New Zealand’s most important and technically challenging construction projects currently underway. The broader programme is being delivered through a Public Private Partnership, bringing together construction, engineering, and service partners to create infrastructure intended to support New Zealand for generations.

The position will begin in an office-based setting in Christchurch and is expected to move to a site-based role in Templeton from the final quarter of this year, placing the successful candidate close to the project’s critical delivery stage.

The facility is a major national asset designed for 24/7 operation, with tightly controlled environments, integrated building systems, and demanding long-term performance expectations. It is the kind of project that can define a career.

Key responsibilities

• Direct project delivery so that safety, quality, profit, and programme targets are met, with handover achieved defect-free and ahead of contractual completion dates.
• Lead and develop project teams by setting clear performance expectations, carrying out reviews, and supporting ongoing growth and capability.
• Maintain strong working relationships with clients, consultants, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and manage master construction schedules, task methodologies, and risk registers, along with action plans to resolve emerging issues.
• Handle procurement activities, including subcontractor and supplier negotiations, pre-acceptance meetings, and approval of subcontract packages within delegated limits.
• Oversee project documentation, change control, and financial performance, including variations, payment claims, cashflow, and expenditure approvals in coordination with the project QS.
• Promote quality assurance and health and safety compliance across all stages of delivery, with close attention to critical risks.

About you

You should be a confident leader with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, strong commercial judgement, and solid technical construction knowledge. You will be outcome-focused, practical, and able to stay organised and resilient while managing complex work in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications, skills, and experience

• At least 15 years of construction experience, including 5+ years in a similar position managing projects valued at $200 million or more.
• A tertiary qualification in construction is preferred.
• A strong history of delivering projects successfully, backed by technical expertise in construction management.
• Demonstrated leadership ability with the capacity to guide, motivate, and grow teams.
• Commercial strength across costing, negotiation, supply chain management, and due diligence.
• Very good problem-solving, relationship-building, and communication skills.

What we offer

Leighs offers the chance to join a stable, privately owned business that values growth, development, and wellbeing. The company is committed to helping its people work safely, return home safely, and thrive. You will be part of a committed team that wants to improve construction while contributing to a landmark project shaping New Zealand’s future.

Additional requirements

Applicants must be New Zealand residents or hold a valid New Zealand work visa. All employees are required to complete a pre-employment medical assessment, including drug and alcohol screening, and pass a criminal history check through the Ministry of Justice.

Recruitment note

Leighs is running a full recruitment process for this role and is not accepting agency referrals.